RSPCA launch inquiry after man ‘swallows fish alive’ in YouTube video

Internet footage of a fish apparently being eaten live could land the animal’s owner Louis Cole in prison.

Food for thought: Louis Cole gets ready to swallow the creature in his video (Picture: Food For Louis)

The pictures showing owner Cole seemingly chomping on his pet are being investigated by the RSPCA, which could bring action against him.

The 28-year-old could be jailed for six months under animal cruelty laws.In his video, which has been viewed thousands of times on YouTube, Mr Cole laughs in the camera before grabbing the 10cm (4in) fish.

He puts it in his mouth and a crunch can be heard as the creature’s tail flicks from side to side.

Meal time: The fish’s tail flaps as Mr Cole appears to chew on it (Picture: Food For Louis)

Mr Cole gags but appears to swallow the fish after drinking a glass of water, saying at the end: ‘That was really, really bitter – the most bitter thing I’ve ever eaten.’

The RSPCA has contacted Mr Cole, a former youth worker, saying he ‘may have committed a criminal offence contrary to sections nine and four of the Animal Welfare Act 2006’.

Its letter added: ‘If we cannot speak to you on a voluntary basis, you give us no choice than to request the police arrest you in order to interview you.’

Louis apparently swallows the fish in the video (Picture: Food For Louis)

Mr Cole, of Roehampton, south-west London, has previously posted footage of him apparently eating a tarantula and scorpion.